We are always
looking for participants for our TMS research studies. Studies require
two 1 hour sessions, one fMRI and one TMS session. In addition to being
paid for their time, participants receive an image of their brain.

Transcranial
magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a brain stimulation technique that
involves generating a brief magnetic field in a coil that is placed on
your scalp. The magnetic field passes through the skull and induces a
weak electrical current in the brain that briefly disrupts neural
circuits at the stimulation site.

Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (fMRI) allows researchers to obtain images of brain activity
over time, as participants complete various tasks. For the TMS study,
we use the results from the fMRI to guide the placement of the TMS
coil.

TMS setup

What to expect

During the fMRI portion
of the study study, an MRI machine, like the one in the photo below,
will take images of your brain as you complete tasks such as reading
or remembering letters and responding to questions by a keypad.
fMRI is a very safe, noninvasive imaging technology. Unlike x-rays,
fMRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, fMRI images are generated
from a strong magnetic field and low-power radio-waves, which expose
MRI subjects to much less energy than x-ray subjects.

During the TMS session,
you will be asked to sit in front of a computer monitor and perform
a task for about 20 minutes (with breaks). Periodically while performing
the task you will receive a brief magnetic stimulation pulse, and
we will record changes in your performance on the task. The magnetic
stimulation may cause you to feel a tapping sensation on your head
and may cause minor twitching of muscles beneath the coil. If the
sensations are too unpleasant for you, you can discontinue the experiment
at any time. You will hear a click sound when the magnetic pulse
is applied, and you will wear earplugs to reduce the noise.

Sign-up!

If you are interested in
participating in a NIMLAB brain imaging / TMS study, please complete
the Participant
Recruitment Form (offsite link). The form will open in a
new window.